Left Arm Around

Cameron Green strikes unbeaten century as Australia finish 279/9 on day one of the first Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve in Wellington.

His knock of 103- his second Test century- was the shining light in a day where only three other Aussie batters passed 20.

Despite a methodical opening stand of 61 between Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, the tourists soon found themselves in deep trouble at 89-4 in the 42nd over.

Smith was the first to depart following a brilliant take from wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, meanwhile Khawaja was sent packing for 33 when a hooping in-swinger from Matt Henry crashed into off-stump.

Marnus Labuschagne fell for a painful 27-ball 1 as Daryl Mitchell snaffled a catch at first slip, and Travis Head was removed for the same score when Will O’Rourke induced an edge to Blundell.

Mitchell Marsh combined with Green in an enterprising sixth-wicket partnership of 67, but his quick-fire innings of 40 (39) was ended when he skied the impressive Henry and Blundell claimed yet another catch.

Further wickets tumbled as a strong Aussie lower-order failed to fire; Green appearing as though he’d run out of partners in his quest for a century.

Determined to reach the landmark, Green moved to 99 as he crunched O’Rourke for four before finally reaching three figures when he slashed the same bowler through point two balls later.

The 24-year-old looked both relieved and elated as he lifted his bat, removed the helmet and embraced teammate Josh Hazlewood at the other end.

Matt Henry was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with figures of 4/43 from 20 overs.

Northern Districts’ pace bowler Scott Kuggeleijn marked his controversial return to the Test arena with figures of 2/56.

After a difficult day, Australia will be quietly pleased that their young all-rounder has kept them well and truly in the contest…